Vietnam Explorer In 15 Days

15 Days, 14 Nights

CODE: VNE15D

From the rugged mountains of Ha Giang to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay and the vibrant floating markets of the Mekong Delta, this 15-day Vietnam Explorer adventure takes you on a journey through Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Get ready for an immersive experience filled with nature, history, and local traditions.

Unforgettable

Picturesque

Engaging

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1: HANOI - PU LUONG NATURE RESERVE

Your tour guide and driver will pick you up at 8:00 am from your hotel in Hanoi to transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, which has preserved a primitive landscape and plentiful and diversified flora and fauna. With these natural values, it has now become a fascinating destination for those who love to discover the beauty of nature.

Start a 1.5-hour walk along the road and trail from Don hamlet to Hieu hamlet – the most beautiful and remote hamlet in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Hike on the off-the-beaten track, passing through the beautiful valley of rice terraces and up to the mountains for a panoramic view of the region.

The scenic Hieu hamlet sits above a hill of tumbling rice terraces and straddles two gushing waterfalls. You can relax in the refreshing natural stream and afterward enjoy a traditional family meal cooked with products direct from the land – including home-raised chicken and fish and wild leaves and vegetables from the garden.

Dinner with local dishes and overnight at a traditional bungalow of Black Thai people with a wonderful view.

DAY 2: PU LUONG - NINH BINH - TAM COC

After having breakfast, say goodbye to the sweet family host. Visit Pho Doan Market if it’s on Sunday, taking the chance to capture the hustle of the Northwest upland fair, and then transfer to Tom village for a scenic trek with your Vietnam Explorer tour guide.

On the way, the mysterious land lying dangerously on the back of the mountain with rice-terraced paddies tottering horizontally to the sky will capture your heart and imagination at first sight. You will be fascinated by the many water-wheels, a unique cultural feature of Thai and Muong people living in the nature reserve of Pu Luong, to navigate water sources for their farming activities.

Lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your trip towards Ninh Binh- the so-called “Ha Long Bay on land”. Upon arrival in Tam Coc, you will start your adventure by cycling around the Tam Coc area. You’ll travel by bike to visit the breathtaking Bich Dong Pagoda.

Overnight at a local homestay.

DAY 3: DANCING CAVE - HOA LU TEMPLE - TRANG AN - HANOI

After breakfast, check out, and you’ll explore the village by bicycle, cycling to Mua Cave, one of the best trekking routes in Ninh Binh, located 3.5 km away from Tam Coc. It means “Dancing Cave” due to the site being used by the Tran King to enjoy dancing and singing performances. You will spend almost 1 hour walking up nearly 500 steps. The higher you go, the better the view you get.

Reach the top of Ngoa Long Mountain, and you will get wonderful panoramic views of golden rice fields in Tam Coc, exotic limestone mountains, and idyllic villages. Enjoy the views and fresh air while standing next to the Bodhisattva Buddha statue. Then, cycle back to Tam Coc to bike stores and have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, drive to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties, the very first kingdom of Dai co Viet that is Vietnam nowadays. We’ll then explore Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site. The boat ride is approximately two and a half hours long, taking you through rice fields, limestone mountains, and caves.

Then, get back to Hanoi.

DAY 4: HANOI - HA GIANG - THON THA ARRIVAL

Your tour guide and driver will pick you up at 7:30 AM at your hotel lobby and will arrive in Ha Giang around 3:00 PM. After this, check in to your homestay in Thon Tha village and enjoy your free time there by walking around to visit some local families and explore the landscape. You can also hike to Ha Thanh waterfall nearby and enjoy the great view there.

Spend your first night at a local Tay bungalow in Thon Tha Village.

DAY 5: THON THA QUAN BA - LUNG CU - DONG VAN

After having breakfast, you will continue with your adventure by reaching Quan Ba Twin Mountain and Heaven’s Gate. Then continue your journey to visit H’Mong King Palace, which was constructed to honor a royal family of high rank during French colonial rule. This palace attracts keen interest from architecturally minded visitors due to its fusion of European and Chinese architectural styles.

Next, you will have a chance to visit the historic Lung Cu National Flag Tower in the far north reaches of Vietnam. This iconic structure near the border gate with China offers commanding views of the surrounding landscape and a reminder of Vietnam’s rich cultural history.

Overnight at a hotel in Dong Van town.

DAY 6: DONG VAN - MA PI LENG - NHO QUE - BAO LAC 100KM

Begin the day with breakfast and a visit to Ma Pi Leng Pass to immerse yourself in the magnificent views. Lunch will be served by a local family. Before embarking on a boat trip, we’ll warm up with a trek around the stunning Spypath road to a Flower Hmong village where you can reach the peak of Ma Pi Leng Mountain. Trek through rugged mountains, and you will be impressed with the local community’s ability to thrive in this steeply pitched mountainscape.

In the afternoon, if the weather is nice, our driver and guide will transfer you to Meo Vac, where you can enjoy a unique boat tour along the Nho Que River. Afterward, you’ll visit a Lo Lo Village before checking into your hotel in Bao Lac town.

NOTE: Please note that during extreme rainfall events, there may be an overflow in the river, which can cause flooding, creating dangerous travel conditions. In these instances, we have to skip the Nho Que boat trip and walk to visit a White Hmong village along the Skypath on Ma PI Leng Peak.

DAY 7: BAO LAC - PHUC SEN VILLAGE - PHIA THAP VILLAGE - NGUOM NGAO CAVE

Please be ready at 7:45 AM to continue your Ha Giang Cao Bang adventure. It will be a long drive today! En route, stop and visit a Lo Lo Village, and enjoy time interacting with and learning about the ethnic culture of the Lo Lo tribe. Then continue your journey to Phuc Sen Village. This town is renowned for its blacksmithing methods that reach back to the 10th and 11th centuries when villagers produced weapons for the soldiers of Nung Ton Phuc and Nung Tri Cao to fight against the Song army.

Next, you’ll become acquainted with the incense craft of the Nung ethnic minority people in Phia Thap Village. Their creative work contributes to the preservation of a spiritual tradition that has persisted through several centuries of history.

Before checking in at your homestay, visit Nguom Ngao Cave, which is a must-see location in Gao Bang Province. This 300-million-year-old cave is a spectacular natural element nestled within an enchanting landscape.

Spend a night at a homestay in Khuoi Ky, a village known for its unique adoption of stone building material for everything from fences and mills to stone houses on stilts.

DAY 8: NGUOM NGAO - BAN GIOC WATERFALL - HOLY EYE MOUNTAIN - CAO BANG CITY

After breakfast, we’ll prepare for our exciting boat trip beside Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Nestled amongst the sweeping landscapes of Trung Khanh, the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall spans over 300 meters, straddling the border between Vietnam and China.

Located in Dam Thuy Commune, Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province, Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda is the first pagoda ever built in this far northern province of Vietnam.

Inaugurated on 15th December 2014, the pagoda was constructed on a total area of 3ha, leaning against Phia Nham Mountain, 500m from Ban Gioc Waterfall.

Before heading to Cao Bang City, stop to visit Mat Than or Holy Angel Mountain. The native Tay people of the area call this mountain “Phja Piót”, which roughly translates to “a mountain with a hole pierced through as if the wind blew from one side to the other”. Next, you’ll travel to Cao Bang to rest and spend the night there.

DAY 9: CAO BANG CITY - HANOI

After having breakfast at your hotel, you’ll prepare for the return to Hanol. Your tour guide will arrange a short walking break to stretch your legs partway through the drive. Drop-off at your hotel at around 5:30 pm in Hanoi.

DAY 10: HANOI - HA LONG

08h00 – 08h30: Pick up at hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter (Optional)

11h30: Arrive at La Regina Royal waiting lounge – Bai Chay- Ha Long, enjoy a welcome drink and express check-in before boarding.

12:30: Check in abroad with a Welcome drink from a crew member while the manager introduces the safety briefing and the boat cruising forward to Halong bay.

13:00: Let your vacation start with a delicious lunch set menu in a restaurant.

15:00: Your first excursion is a visit to Luon Cave. This is considered as one of the most ideal places in Halong for kayaking or rowing boats. After that, you can visit Titov Island, where you can go swimming or hike to the top for another stunning panoramic view of the Bay.

17:00: Come back to the cruise to relax.

19:00: Enjoy our special dinner in the restaurant.

After dinner, it’s your choice to go squid fishing, go to the spa, do karaoke, or relax.

DAY 11: HA LONG - HANOI

06:00: Greet the new day on the sundeck with taichi.

06:30: Light breakfast is served at the restaurant.

07:30: After breakfast, your next excursion is a visit to the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you can take in the panoramic views across Halong Bay.

09:00: Check out of the cabin. Vietnamese cuisine buffet is served at the restaurant while the boat heads back to the harbor.

11:00: Disembark at the harbor.

Drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi at around 3:30 pm. Your free time in Hanoi later.

DAY 12: HO CHI MINH CITY - BEN THANH MARKET - CU CHI TUNNELS - MY THO

Your tour guide and driver will pick you up. The first day of the Vietnam Explorer tour begins with a visit to the iconic Ben Thanh Market, one of Vietnam’s largest and oldest markets. Here, you can admire its unique architecture, engage with local vendors, and browse a wide variety of goods, from traditional Vietnamese clothing and souvenirs to local delicacies.

After soaking in the vibrant market atmosphere, the tour heads to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant historical site used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Discover the intricate design and construction of these tunnels and experience a glimpse of history by crawling through a section of them, gaining insight into the hardships faced by soldiers who once took refuge there.

The day concludes in My Tho, a charming city in the heart of the Mekong Delta, where you’ll spend the night at a local hotel, ready to continue your adventure the next day.

DAY 13: MY THO - VINH TRANG PAGODA - HAM LUONG RIVER - UNICORN ISLAND - CAN THO

Our journey on the second day begins at the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a breathtaking 19th-century Buddhist temple that masterfully combines Eastern and Western architectural elements.

Afterward, you’ll board a traditional sampan for a leisurely cruise along the Ham Luong River. As you glide through the calm waters, take in the sights of stilt houses and the lush, sprawling fruit plantations lining the riverbanks, capturing the essence of life along the Mekong Delta.

Next, the Vietnam Explorer tour will visit Unicorn Island, where you can stroll along peaceful country paths and taste a variety of fresh tropical fruits picked straight from local orchards. The adventure continues with a serene rowing boat journey through the son canal, giving you an up-close view of the quiet beauty of the Mekong Delta’s landscape.

The day continues with a bicycle tour of Tan Thach village, where you can pedal through charming rural settings, meet local residents, and learn about their daily lives and traditions.

Finally, you’ll travel to Can Tho City to unwind and spend the night at a comfortable hotel, ready to discover more of the Mekong Delta the following day.

DAY 14: CAN THO - CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET - BINH THUY ANCIENT HOUSE - MUNIR ANSAY PAGODA

Your journey through the Mekong Delta continues with an early morning visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market, the biggest and most famous floating market in Vietnam. Here, you’ll be immersed in the lively atmosphere as vendors in small boats sell everything from local foods to handcrafted goods. It’s a colorful, chaotic scene that gives you a true taste of local life on the water.

After soaking in the vibrant marker vibes, we’ll head to Binh Thuy Ancient House. This charming French colonial mansion, built in 1870 by the Duong family, still stands proudly under the care of the family’s eighth generation. With its Gothic-style staircase and expansive front yard, the house is a step back in time and even served as a filming location for the movie “L’Amant” (“The Lover), based on the novel by Marguerite Duras.

Next, the Vietnam Explorer tour will guide you to the Munir Ansay Pagoda, a cultural gem for the Khmer community. It’s a peaceful spot that’s not just a place of worship but also a hub for local festivals and traditions.

After a day filled with unique experiences, you’ll return to your hotel in Can Tho for a well-deserved rest, ready for your last adventure on the Vietnam Explorer tour.

DAY 15: CAN THO - HAU GIANG - SPRING TOURISM SITE - HCM CITY

On your final day, we head to Hau Giang province, just an hour from Can Tho, to explore the serene Spring Tourism Site. This hidden gem is perfect for nature enthusiasts and those looking to uncover the untouched beauty of the Southern region. Here, you can ride bikes along narrow roads and keep your eyes peeled for a variety of bird species and unique plants, some of which are rare and even listed in Vietnam’s Red Book of Endangered Species.

After soaking up the natural wonders of Hau Giang, our driver and guide will take you back to Ho Chi Minh City, where this memorable journey through the Mekong Delta comes to an end.

Drop off at your hotel or the airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

The itinerary is subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions.

Included: Ground transport, English-speaking guide, accommodation, activities & meals mentioned above.
Not included: Airfares, visa fees, travel insurance, gratuities, personal expenses & all other services not clearly mentioned above.

WHY TRAVEL WITH YESD?

Authentic

We give local people employment, income and learning opportunities so they are directly involved in your tourism experience. Our guides and hosts will give you a special insight into culture and life in Vietnam.

Responsible

We aim to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and the local community while contributing positively to local economies. We don’t just talk responsible tourism, we act!

Tours that translate

10% of all profits from our tours go towards a community fund. This money allows us to make infrastructure improvements and provide other important resources to those in need.

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“We traveled with YESD to northern Vietnam for 6 days and 5 nights to Ha Giang Cao Bang regions. It was an amazing journey involving hiking in the mountains, exploring local villages, sailing on the Nho Que River, and visiting local waterfalls, among many more sites. Tung was an excellent tour guide — very knowledgeable, understanding, warm, charming, kind, and very flexible. We really appreciated being with her.

And the driver, Mr Hop was very experienced. We felt safe. We would highly recommend them and the tour to others. We already have very fond memories of our tour.” See more.

Mark R / Trip Advisor

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